Mat Sabu: Tony Pua’s remarks won’t affect state polls, just ordinary DAP member

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 — Former DAP publicity secretary Tony Pua’s recent controversial remarks labelling ally Barisan Nasional (BN) as a “corrupt” coalition will not affect the unity government in the upcoming state election, Parti Amanah Negara president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has reportedly said.

Following an event last night in Shah Alam, Selangor, Mohamad reportedly told the media that Pua was just speaking in his personal capacity and that it would not affect the state election results.

“Will not affect, he is only an ordinary member, can make various views, there is no problem,” Mohamad was quoted saying by local daily Sin Chew Daily, also referring to DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke’s statement on the matter.

Separately, local daily Berita Harian also reported Mohamad — better known as Mat Sabu — as saying that Pua’s remarks as an ordinary member would not affect anything including Pakatan Harapan (PH) and BN’s cooperation in the upcoming state election.

“Ordinary members make various views, but only the party’s view is taken into account,” he was quoted saying.

Yesterday morning, Loke had in a Facebook post said Pua no longer holds any position in DAP and that he was speaking in his individual capacity and does not represent DAP’s leadership at all, adding that Pua’s speech which attacked main partners in the unity government was uncalled for.

Speaking as DAP secretary-general, Loke said the DAP leadership had made the policy decision to work with other political coalitions to achieve political stability, and that any provocative statement towards allies within the unity government is not in line with the party’s current stance and direction.

Reminding all DAP leaders and members to always ensure harmony between parties and coalitions in the unity government for the much-needed political stability as Malaysia faces multiple external challenges, Loke said anyone in DAP who is unable to watch what they say over this matter are not welcomed at all to speak on DAP’s stage.

Pua was said to have made the controversial remark on Friday at a DAP fundraising dinner at Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Six states, namely Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, are expected to have their state elections soon.

PH — which includes DAP and Amanah — as well as allies like BN are part of the unity government at the federal level, and are expected to work together in the upcoming state elections.